Bangor Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bangor’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 14.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 119.1% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the area’s unique challenges, likely shaped by its status as a coastal town in north Wales with a mix of urban and rural characteristics. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (36.7% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.6%) and shoplifting (11.7%). These figures align with patterns typical of areas with high foot traffic in commercial districts and limited policing resources during the post-holiday period. Seasonal factors, including shorter days and reduced retail activity, may have contributed to the lower-than-expected levels of shoplifting compared to other months, though violence and anti-social behaviour remain persistent issues. The area’s crime profile reflects a combination of local demographics—such as a student population in nearby institutions—and the impact of winter conditions, which can exacerbate social tensions. While the UK average for violent crime is 2.5 per 1,000, Bangor’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000 for this category is 120% above, a disparity that may be linked to the town’s proximity to other urban centres and its role as a regional hub. The data also reveals a 198% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average, suggesting that retail areas remain vulnerable despite seasonal lulls. This highlights the need for tailored strategies addressing both violent and property-related crimes, particularly as the area transitions into the busier months ahead.

January 2026 saw significant increases in drugs-related crimes, which doubled from 7 to 14 incidents—a 100% rise—while robbery increased by 50% (2 to 3). Violence and sexual offences also rose by 30%, from 70 to 91, marking the most notable upward trend. Conversely, burglary and public order offences both declined, with burglary falling 42.9% (7 to 4) and public order dropping 22.2% (27 to 21). These shifts suggest a combination of local factors and seasonal influences, such as the post-holiday period and reduced retail activity. The area’s rate for anti-social behaviour (2.8 per 1,000) is 201% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 46% below UK levels for vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000). Residents may find the 1.6% burglary rate (4 incidents) particularly noteworthy, as it remains the only property crime category below the UK average. This divergence highlights the need for targeted interventions in violent and anti-social crime areas while maintaining vigilance in property-related offences.

Bangor's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 6.4% from the previous month, climbing to 14.9 per 1,000 residents. This places the area significantly above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. On a daily basis, approximately 8 crimes were reported each day in Bangor during the month, reflecting a consistent level of activity despite seasonal factors. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 67 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. This monthly exposure rate underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies, particularly given the area's higher-than-average rates for violent and anti-social crimes. The population context—16,674 residents—means that even modest increases in crime can have a noticeable impact on residents' perceptions of safety. When compared to other areas, Bangor's figures suggest a distinct local challenge, though the specific causes remain tied to the town's characteristics and local dynamics.